The Pro Guide

Nature gives us unthinkable beauty.

We don’t intend to repay her with anything less inspiring. The Boulder Pro Guide Drift Boat is the ultimate confluence of technology, science and beauty. The Pro Guide sets the drift boat standard for quality and performance and continues to be the choice for seasoned fishing guides and first-time rowers alike. The Pro Guide’s advanced polymer hull rows effortlessly regardless of water levels, allowing you to float skinnier than any other drift boat on the water. Details matter, and the Boulder Pro Guide is a perfect testament to this – blending the most beautiful wood accents available, with the most durable polymer hull – creating the finest drift boat on any waters.

Details and FAQs

Where are Boulder Boats made?

While the company started in Boulder we have since moved to Carbondale, Colorado located in the Roaring Fork Valley. Moving to the valley put us five minutes from a gold medal fishery and close to our local fishing community.

What type of wood is used on the boats?

Boulder Boats start with kiln dried North American White Ash or you can upgrade to African Mahogany. Each board is hand selected and sighted by a member of our wood production team. All joints and finishes are completed with a balance of hand-craftsmanship and a shop outfitted with high end wood shaping tools. We also have the option to use a variety of different wood veneers to trim your boat out to your liking.

What is the benefit of polymer vs. fiberglass or aluminum?

We developed a polymer hull to mitigate the abrasive encounters that are inevitable in the river. This not only maintains the structural integrity of the boat but it opens lines in the river that you cannot approach in boats made from other materials. Hull Yeah!

What is the difference between the High-Side and Low-Side hull options?

Nine inches at the bow, four inches at the oarlock, four inches in bow to stern length and 17 pounds of material. The Low-Side Hull is an ideal set up for less gradient water and higher wind exposure. While the High-Side Hull is our most versatile vessel.

Is there a structural difference between the Pro Guide and the Guide boat models?

Structurally, the wood trimmed boats are the same as the aluminum trimmed boat models from a strength and rowing position perspective. The major difference between the aluminum (Guide model) and wood (Pro-Guide model) is aesthetics and cost.

What should I expect from a maintenance and upkeep perspective?

The beauty of a Boulder Boat is that the long-term maintenance outside of simple detailing and upkeep is very limited. The majority of drift boats in the industry take abuse when they encounter rocks. Fiberglass boats will inevitably need replacement or repair of your gelcoat, chines and other fiberglass components of the hull.